No one in official government capacity can talk about it, yet I can. Americans, people from allied nations, and Afghan allies outside the perimeter of the Kabul airport are at the mercy of the Taliban. The Taliban has shown a varying degree of tolerance for U.S. journalists who are still operating in Kabul. When anyone approaches the airport, they are subjected to brutal treatment and denied free access. American military leaders say they can do nothing about that.
The buck stops with Biden. Our citizens and allies are trapped under the Taliban's control because American leadership and management failed to account for them.
The way ahead in one avenue is to negotiate with the Taliban for the safe passage of 1) Americans, 2) Foreign government allies, and 3) former Afghan employees of the U.S. government. The stickiest point is the last one, securing the freedom of Afghans.
What would the Taliban want in exchange for the release of nearly 20-30,000 people? They desire recognition as the official government of Afghanistan. They already have our military assets left behind to Afghan security forces. Interim steps include financial relief and trade with the free world should they value it.
I recommend putting government recognition on the table for the available departure of subject persons within a month of the agreement. I also recommend that all exit avenues should be open so that people can leave by transport to neighboring nations who will accept them.
These discussions should be happening as I write this. If not, shame on the State Department and the Biden Administration.
You may wonder what America wants in return, down the road?
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